Super Rugby Wallaby Watch – Rnd 4

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1. James Slipper (Brumbies)

Great start to the season with the Brumbies. I’m very unsure why he is starting on the bench. Strong in the scrum and handy around the park.

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2. Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies)

It took a few weeks but Fainga’a has shown that he is ahead of the other hookers in the country and should be our #2. Has been very accurate the last few weeks in the lineout and quite a good runner of the ball.

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3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)

Rounding out an all Brumbies front row, AAA has scrummed well, run well and made some good tackles.

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4.Rory Arnold (Brumbies)

Has been a key man for the Brumbies. Taking lots of lineouts and I’ve loved his running in the midfield.

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5. Izack Rodda (Reds)

Hard to deny Rodda has been, along with Arnold, one of the most consistent locks for the Australian teams in Super Rugby so far.  Seems to be maturing as a leader as well.

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6. Rob Valetini (Brumbies)

Probably one that might surprise a few people. I’m a big fan of the young Brumbies blindside. He has only missed 1 tackle all season 34/35, a strong ball runner and hits the rucks well.

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7. David Pocock (Brumbies)

As much as I love Michael Hooper, I’m not a huge fan of the Pooper experiment. I understand why they did it as they were trying to get two of their best players on the field and didn’t have too many others pushing hard for selection. David Pocock is the best #7 in the world and you simply can’t look past him..

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8. Isi Naisarani (Rebels) 

A nice big body to bend the line at number 8. Has been strong all season. I’d love to see Isi be used as a battering ram for 50-60 minutes and then have Hooper come on at 7 and Pocock pushed to 8 for the last 20-30 minutes.

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9. Will Genia (Rebels)

Has shown this season why he is the incumbent. Controls the game well with his kicking and seems to have his running game back this season.

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10.  Quade Cooper  (Rebels)

Back from purgatory this season and back next to Genia. These two work so well together at shifting the ball short or wide and picking the right runner. Also helps that Foley has not had the best season thus far.

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11. Curtis Rona (Waratahs)

Despite being in a backline that has changed around him consistently, Rona has continued to impress and prove his worth despite being further away from the ball than last year. A strong Wallaby contender.

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12. Karmichael Hunt (Waratahs)

I always thought 15 was Hunts best position at the Reds. After watching him this year I believe he might make a great Australian #12. He tackles hard, runs hard, can kick, pass and seems to have a good rugby head. I’d like to see this and if it doesn’t work you have a few backups in Meakes, Beale and Toomua.

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13. Samu Kerevi (Reds)

Stunning form this season. Scary with ball in hand. Defense is vastly improved too.

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14. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

Has been lethal at fullback and while he was quiet last weekend on the wing, I’m still a firm believer that his best position is 14. With someone like Quade being able to spread the ball wide to him I think he could be lethal.

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15. Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels)

There are plenty of fullback options at the moment so this was a tough pick.  DHP has controlled the game well from the back for the Rebels. Has a decent boot and a strong running game.

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